Paros is a large island and as such caters for all tastes. Whether you are looking for a quiet, traditional retreat, beach holiday, sightseeing or partying til dawn, Paros has it all. The island has gently terraced hillsides, spectacular sandy beaches, beautiful flower meadows in spring and autumn, lush orchards and olive groves, plenty of pretty Cycladic villages and plenty of activity for those seeking action and adventure on holiday.

Paros, with over 250 beaches and all of sand, is an absolute mecca for the beach lizard.

Golden Beach
This long, sandy beach is famous for its incredibly transparent water. It is also excellent for windsurfing and the World Windsurfing Championships are held here each year.

Drios Beach
Located near the Golden Beach, Drios is a beautiful sandy beach with shallow water and is ideal for children. There are some excellent traditional restaurants here.

Pounda Beach
If a party atmosphere is what you're looking for, then Pounda is your answer. www.poundabeach.gr

Ambelas Beach
If you're not the partying sort, then the small, quiet and relatively unknown beach of Ambelas could be your answer. It has a gentle sea-shelf that is great for children.

Santa Maria
This fantastic, long, sandy beach is one of the more organised beaches on the island with windsurfing and diving facilities.

Langeri Beach
Not easy to find so is generally very quiet. This sandy beach is located north east of Naoussa.

Kolimbithres Beach
Also near Naoussa, Kolimbithres is justifiably popular since it has many lovely sandy coves screened off by unusual rock formations. The water is shallow and ideal for children. Water skiing is also available along this part of the coast.

Piperi Beach
This small, quiet beach near Naoussa is great for snorkelling. If you prefer sitting on the beach, you will enjoy the magnificent views.

Martselo Beach
Gorgeous sandy beach only accessible by boat from the main town of Parikia. Otherwise, it is a very pleasant walk.

Krios Beach
Another glorious sandy beach only accessible by boat from Parikia or by foot.>>>>>>>>

Paros is not just about magnificent beaches. This large island will satisfy even the hungriest

Villages
Paros has many pretty villages of the typical Cycladic cubist style with brightly painted pottery tumbling with flowers, narrow lane ways and a myriad churches, chapels and monasteries.

Parikia
This is the main town of the island and has a lovely harbour, a 13th Century Venetian castle as well as ancient remains. Parikia is the liveliest town of the island with some excellent bars and clubs as well as the usual array of tavernas, shops and cafes.

Naoussa
This is one of the most beautiful fishing villages that is authentically Greek that you will find in Greece. There are many tavernas and here, you will also be able to enjoy traditional Greek music and dancing.

Lefkes
Located in the mountains, Lefkes has magnificent views framed by the lush green of the surrounding hills and orchards. This unspoilt village has a blend of Cycladic and Venetian architecture and it is here that the important cathedral of Agias Trias is situated as well as an ancient amphitheatre and the Museum of Popular Civilization.. For walkers, the stunning 'Byzantine Trail', begins at Lefkes down to Prodromos and onto the sea. Lefkes is also known for its pottery.

Kostos
If you visit Lefkes, it is also worth visiting the neighbouring village of Kostos which seems a million miles from modern life.

Piso Livadia
Close to Golden Beach and Pounda Beach, this fishing port is quaint and has some good tavernas.

Ambelas
This lovely, tiny fishing harbour in the north east of Paros is situated near Prodromos.

Church of Ekatontapliani, near Parikia harbour
Dedicated to 'Our Lady of One Hundred Doors', this church is the oldest on Paros dating from around 400 AD.

Archaelogical Museum, Parikia
Important finds from excavations are exhibited in this main museum

Throughout Greece, every island and place has its share of festivals. A religious ceremony is held in the local church followed by eating, drinking, dancing and fireworks until dawn. Paros seems to have more festivals unique to the island than any other place.

Feast of Agia Marina, 17th July.
Takes place in Antiparos

Feast of Agios Pandelemonas, 27th July
Takes place in Antiparos

Feast of the Saviour's Metamorphosis, 6th August
Takes place in Marpissa

Feast of the Panagia of One Hundred Doors, 15th August
Celebrated all over Greece, this ceremony is in honour of the Virgin Mary. In Paros, the greatest celebrations take place at the Church of the Panagia of Ekatontaplian (Virigin of One Hundred Doors).

Feast of the 9 Days of the Virgin Mary
Takes place in Naoussa

Feast of Agios Ioannis, 29th August
Takes place in Naoussa and Lefkes

Feast of the Panagia Feneromeni, 8th September
Takes place in Antiparos.>>

Walking
For walkers, Paros is a natural paradise especially in Spring and Autumn when the island is cloaked in a myriad flowers. There are hundreds of walks on the island and the most famous is the 'Byzantine Trail' from the mountain village of Lefkes through glorious countryside to Prodromos and down to the pretty fishing harbour of Ambelas.>>